What side effects are possible with Seroquel XR?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

constipation

dizziness

drowsiness

dry mouth

headache

indigestion or upset stomach

irritability

lightheadedness or dizziness when rising from a lying or sitting position

stuffy or runny nose

tiredness

vomiting

weight gain

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Seroquel XR?

Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take this medication.

Blood cholesterol: Quetiapine has been associated with increased blood cholesterol levels. If you have elevated blood cholesterol levels, you should discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Blood changes: Quetiapine can cause a decrease in white blood cells, red blood cells (blood cells that carry oxygen), or platelets (blood cells that help form blood clots). If you have a history of low white blood cells, anemia or blood clotting problems, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Body temperature: Quetiapine has been associated with changes in how your body regulates temperature. Your body temperature is more likely to increase. Discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Cataracts: Changes in the lens of the eye may develop with long-term use of quetiapine. Regular eye exams are recommended before and after treatment with this medication. If you notice any change in your vision, contact your physician as soon as possible.

Diabetes: A risk of aggravating preexisting diabetes has been linked to quetiapine and other antipsychotic medications. If you have diabetes, discuss this link with your doctor. If you have diabetes or are at risk for diabetes (e.g., family history of diabetes, obesity), you should discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Quetiapine may cause dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid operating hazardous machinery (including cars) until you are certain that the medication does not impair your mental alertness, judgment, or physical coordination.

Heart conditions: If you have a heart condition such as angina, heart failure, and irregular heartbeat, or have had a heart attack, you should discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Hormonal changes: Quetiapine, in rare instances, can cause an increase in a certain hormone called prolactin, and may lead to production of breast milk in women and altered monthly periods. It may also lead to swelling of the breasts in men.

Kidney problems: If you have kidney problems, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver problems: If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Low blood pressure: Quetiapine may cause a lowering of blood pressure when rising from a sitting or lying position, or a racing heart rate, especially during the few weeks of treatment. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded or feel your pulse is racing, and this feeling does not go away after a few minutes, call your doctor. Because this medication can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, do not get up too quickly after you have been sitting or lying for prolonged periods.

Movement disorders: There is a risk of developing tardive dyskinesia (TD), a condition where repetitive, uncontrollable, and purposeless movements (such as grimacing; tongue protrusion; lip smacking; puckering; rapid eye blinking; rapid movements of the arms, legs, and body trunk). If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): A risk of developing this condition has been associated with antipsychotic medications, including quetiapine. If you experience increased sweating and sensations of warmth, muscle stiffness, emotional and behavioural changes, or irregular heartbeat, contact your doctor immediately. People taking this medication should take care to avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated.

Seizures: If you have a history of seizures, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Stopping the medication: Stopping this medication suddenly may cause symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, upset stomach, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness and irritability. A gradual reduction in dose over a period of at least one or 2 weeks is recommended. If you are thinking of stopping the medication, check with your doctor first.

Suicidal or agitated behaviour: Adults and children taking this medication may feel agitated (restless, anxious, aggressive, emotional, and feeling not like themselves), or they may want to hurt themselves or others. These symptoms may occur within several weeks after starting this medication. If you experience these side effects or notice them in a family member who is taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor will monitor you closely for these side effects while you are taking this medication.

Thyroid changes: Quetiapine is associated with a decrease in thyroid hormone. If you have low thyroid (hypothyroidism), you should discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Weight gain: Quetiapine is associated with an increase in body weight. Your doctor may monitor you for weight changes while you are taking this medication.

Pregnancy: The safety of quetiapine use during pregnancy is not known. This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Quetiapine passes into breast milk. Women who are taking this medication should not breast-feed.

Children and adolescents: The safety and efficacy of this medication have not been established for children under 18 years of age.

Seniors: There may be a higher risk of strokes, heart attacks, infections (e.g., pneumonia) and deaths associated with the use of antipsychotic medications by seniors. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication. If you notice the following signs and symptoms, get medical attention immediately:

signs of a stroke: sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arms or legs (often on one side of the body); speech problems; vision problems; balance problems or dizziness; confusion; sudden severe headache with no known cause

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

stop taking one of the medications,

change one of the medications to another,

change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or

leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Depression Symptom Checker Tool

The Depression Symptom Checker tool can help you learn about depression. Use this tool to create a list of your symptoms and rate how much the symptoms impact your life on a daily basis. The checklist is divided into 6 symptom categories that are associated with depression. You can also learn more about symptoms of depression here.

For each statement choose a number from 0 to 4 that describes the impact on your daily life, where 4 has the highest impact and 0 has no impact:

0 = no impact on daily life/no symptoms

1 = mild impact on daily life

2 = moderate impact on daily life

3 = severe impact on daily life

4 = debilitating impact on daily life

It is important to remember that this is not a “score” but a way to help you communicate how much you feel the symptom impacts your daily life. When you finish you will be able to print out your symptoms and share this information with your doctor. Use the Doctor Discussion Guide to prepare for your doctor’s visit.

Rate how much the following symptoms apply to you.

1. Emotions

Depression can affect anyone at any age, although it most commonly appears between 15 and 45 years of age.

I feel a sense of sadness and/or hopelessness

0

1

2

3

4

No Impact

Mild

Moderate

Severe

Debilitating

I feel restless and/or irritable

0

1

2

3

4

No Impact

Mild

Moderate

Severe

Debilitating

I have lost interest in hobbies and activities I once enjoyed

0

1

2

3

4

No Impact

Mild

Moderate

Severe

Debilitating

I have thoughts of self-harm, death, or suicide (if you have these thoughts, please seek medical help immediately)

0

1

2

3

4

No Impact

Mild

Moderate

Severe

Debilitating

2. Fatigue

Serious depression affects about 11% of Canadians at some time in their lives, and about 4% during any given year.

I do not have the energy to do the things I need or want to do

0

1

2

3

4

No Impact

Mild

Moderate

Severe

Debilitating

I think the lack of energy could be related to depression instead of another health issue

Yes

Possibly

No

3. Sleep

During depression treatment, sleep and appetite often improve before your mood improves.

I am sleeping too much

0

1

2

3

4

No Impact

Mild

Moderate

Severe

Debilitating

I am having trouble getting enough sleep

0

1

2

3

4

No Impact

Mild

Moderate

Severe

Debilitating

I have other sleep problems that are impacting my life

0

1

2

3

4

No Impact

Mild

Moderate

Severe

Debilitating

4. Weight

Weight loss is considered significant if you gain or lose more than 5% of your body weight within a month.

I have been losing weight recently without trying

0

1

2

3

4

No Impact

Mild

Moderate

Severe

Debilitating

I have been gaining weight recently without trying

0

1

2

3

4

No Impact

Mild

Moderate

Severe

Debilitating

5. Thinking and concentrating

Having a close relative with depression, experiencing childhood trauma or the death of a loved one, or worrying a lot about problems may increase the likelihood of experiencing an episode of depression.

I have difficulty concentrating

0

1

2

3

4

No Impact

Mild

Moderate

Severe

Debilitating

I have difficulty thinking clearly

0

1

2

3

4

No Impact

Mild

Moderate

Severe

Debilitating

I have trouble making decisions

0

1

2

3

4

No Impact

Mild

Moderate

Severe

Debilitating

6. Unexplained Aches and Pains

Up to 76% of people with depression also experience physical symptoms, such as headache, stomach pain, and back pain.

I am bothered by unexplained aches and pains (headache, stomach pain, other pains)

0

1

2

3

4

No Impact

Mild

Moderate

Severe

Debilitating

Results

You have depression? We're interested in your opinion. Answer our short survey for a chance to win a gift card. Take the survey now

Visit your doctor with these results, when booking your appointment inform your doctor that you may need extra time to discuss these matters. Getting help for your depression can change your life. Don’t wait- depression is an illness that can, and should be treated.

Thoughts about death or suicide are common in depression, and it’s important to take such thoughts seriously. If you feel like giving up or as if you might hurt yourself, get help immediately: call your doctor, go to the emergency room or call 911.

The contents of this site are for informational purposes only and are meant to be discussed with your physician or other qualified health care professional before being acted on. Never disregard any advice given to you by your doctor or other qualified health care professional. Always seek the advice of a physician or other licensed health care professional regarding any questions you have about your medical condition(s) and treatment(s). This site is not a substitute for medical advice.